September 11, 2007

Philippine fisheries seen to grow amid drought

The Philippine fisheries may achieve its production target this year despite adverse effects of a prolonged drought, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said (BFAR).

BFAR reports that prolonged dry spell in Luzon would only limit to freshwater tilapia production which losses could reach 45,743 tonnes or less than one percent of total production target this year.

BFAR director Malcolm Sarmiento said actual production of the aquaculture, commercial and municipal fisheries sectors reached 1.167 million metric tonnes in the first quarter and 1.495 million tonnes in the second quarter.

Total production for the third quarter is expected to reach 1.494 million tonnes, while the last quarter production is seen at 998,544 tonnes.